Headline News

Anto Upton considering weight change for big fights in 2018


Anthony Upton [16(6)-1(0)] is aiming to kick off a busy 2018 next month – and may be taking a surprising route to big fights.

The former English light welterweight champion boxes on the Ginley Promotions ‘Danger at The Devenish 3′ bill at the Devenish Complex on Saturday February 10th.

The 25-year-old relocated to Belfast last year after spells in Manchester and London, fighting twice in the Titanic City in 2017.

His third fight date in the city though was cancelled last month, with scheduled opponent Miguel Aguilar coming in overweight for their December bout. A replacement date was sourced in Scotland and Upton defeated another Nicaraguan, Santos Medrano, over four rounds.

But the youngest of the three fighting brothers is keen to return to the small-hall Devenish show before turning his attention to bigger ambitions.

“I’m really happy to be back boxing in Belfast again. I want to be busy because I’m definitely feeling sharp now after having the fight before Christmas,” said Upton.

“My opponent came in overweight for the last [Devenish] fight, so it obviously wasn’t my fault, but fair play to MTK for sorting me out and getting me out within two weeks in Scotland. It was great to get a win to end the year.

“I’ve told MTK that I want to be busy. There was a lot of ups and downs for me last year because I didn’t know where I was going really. I want to be busier this year and get out as regularly as possible.”

“I’m happy they have got me a fight on February 10th. That will be a nice little run-out,” continued Upton, who is now training under the Ginley brothers at the Immanuel Boxing Academy.

While fights with the likes of fellow Belfast boxer and MTK stablemate Tyrone McKenna have been mooted, Upton is considering a step down in weight.

He outlined how “I’m at light welter, but I might even take a trip down to lightweight because my weight’s not too far off making it, so I’ll see what options are out there. If there’s a big enough fight then I’d consider it.”

“I know everyone wants to get out on the big bills, but I just really want to get on one of them and I feel that’s where I’ll shine and where I can show people how good I am.

“I’ll fight anyone, I don’t care who it is, I’m ready for it as long as I get a few weeks’ notice. I’m not ducking anyone – whoever wants it will get it!”

dpg

irishboxing

Integral part of the Irish boxing community for over 13 years

x